Stonewood Farm Apprenticeship

Last Updated On: febrero 15th, 2023 at 08:55AM MST

Contact information

Farm Address:
110 Bangall Road
Millbrook, New York, 12545

Primary Contact: Ken Holzberg
Secondary Contact: Jeremy LeClair

Primary Phone:
    Type: Office
    Number: 8454165524
    Email: info@stonewoodny.org

Secondary Phone
    Type: Cell
    Number: 4015333229
    Email: farmer@stonewoodny.org

    Email: farmer@stonewoodny.org

Website: https://www.stonewoodny.org

Internship information

General Farm Description: Stonewood Farm is a certified organic market garden now in its tenth season. Mixed vegetables, flowers, herbs, eggs, and berries are produced from its 1.5 acres of cultivated area for on-farm events as well as for local restaurants, grocery store, and food pantry - all located within 10 miles of the property. In 2021, Stonewood Farm became a not-for-profit organization. Our charitable and educational mission includes our First Harvest Pantry, the food pantry we founded seven years ago to feed our neighbors who would not otherwise have access to our farm fresh produce. We make weekly deliveries to the Pantry and Meal on Wheels, among others, throughout the growing season. Also in 2021, we created The Giving Garden at Cardinal Hayes Home for Children, a not for profit residential care facility for young people with developmental disabilities. The Giving Garden is a place where the residents can take ownership and learn how to maintain the Garden, including planting, watering, and harvesting. To celebrate the harvests from the Garden and create social opportunities for its residents, we organize fun events like a “Salsa Day” and “Salad Day.” We are a small farm with a big community presence. We are committed to charitable giving and education and value community outreach and expanding access to high-quality produce as a core part of our mission. We work directly with our neighbors at the Pantry, The Giving Garden, Meals on Wheels, and our on-farm biweekly markets. To support our community outreach programs, we host on-farm fundraising dinners and garden-to-plate cooking classes throughout the season. Because of our small operation and large outreach, our apprentice can participate in a wide range of community oriented experiences.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Internship Starts: May 2023
Internship Ends: October 2023
Number of Internship Available: 1
Application Deadline: April 2023
Minimum Length of Stay: 5 months

Internship Details:

2023 Regional Food and Farming Apprenticeship Program

Stonewood Farm, Millbrook, New York

Our apprenticeship program is run by established, well-qualified, professionals. Our Farm Managers previously managed Four Season Farm in Maine for renowned organic farmer Eliot Coleman. Our Culinary Director was the owner and co-executive chef of celebrated restaurants, managed a large farmers market, received a Michelin Award in 2022, and has been nominated for multiple James Beard and Food & Wine Magazine awards.

Our apprenticeship program is a unique opportunity in that the individual hired will work directly with, and learn from, our Farm Managers and Culinary Director to participate in all aspects of a small-scale farm, with room to explore tasks and topics that may be of particular interest to the apprentice. Our apprentice will learn how the farm works from seed to sale by participating in greenhouse work, transplanting, cultivation, harvesting, wash and pack, market sales and more. Beyond production, our apprentice will gain experience handling our layer hen operation (approximately 50 birds) and engaging with chefs, wholesale and retail customers, food pantry clients, and the public. By the end of the growing season, the apprentice will be familiar with a wide range of agricultural topics including: farm planning and seed selection; vegetable and flower propagation and cultivation; crop and pest management; chicken care; cover cropping; season extension; harvesting and packaging; delivery and direct sales; non-profit operation; regenerative farming practices; soil health and composting; USDA certified-organic practices and record keeping; and farm equipment and tractor use and maintenance. Additionally, an applicant with particular interest in culinary pursuits and farm to table dinners will be able to explore these topics with our Culinary Director.

Educational Opportunities: Flower, vegetable and herb growing, cultivation, harvest and packing, delivery, greenhouse work, seeding, transplanting, chicken care, market sales, farm stand operation, opportunities to work with our culinary director, volunteer and visitor interaction, opportunities to work with our community partners, tractor use, farm planning

Skills Desired: Required experience and qualifications include: • some general knowledge or experience in agriculture or small-scale farming; • a love of manual labor, ability to lift 50lbs, endurance for repetitive tasks, standing or crouching for extended periods of time; • self-motivated and patient; • strong work ethic and positive attitude through all weather conditions; • understanding of pace, efficiency, and attention to detail; • good communication and listening skills; • ability to work well in a small, close-knit team and independently; • valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to the farm; • people skills and a passion for local food and food systems; • passionate about developing a career in agriculture and/or food; and • passionate about our mission, including a desire to be a part of our community outreach projects and increasing access to locally grown, high quality organic produce. Specific responsibilities include, without limitation: • being on time for work, well-rested and with a positive attitude; • field and bed preparation, propagation, seeding, transplanting, irrigation, cultivating, harvesting, washing, packing, assisting with flower arranging, and deliveries; • maintaining a tidy workplace (aesthetics are very important as we welcome guests); • use of basic farm tools (training provided); • chicken chores and care; and • assisting with the on-site farm pop-up plant and produce sales.

Meals: A group farm lunch is provided once a month by our Culinary Director.

Stipend: $18.00/hour salary

Housing: No, but we are happy to assist with finding housing options.

Preferred method of Contact: Email